College Football Betting – Florida/LSU Preview & Pick
A few months ago, sportsbook bettors wouldn’t have believed us if we told them a Florida/LSU matchup would be the game of the year. Now, it’s suddenly possible. The Florida Gators are formidable – so much that they’re drawing comparisons to the great Miami Hurricanes teams of the 1990s. But they may be without star quarterback Tim Tebow, and that opens the door for the LSU Tigers.
Can the Tigers defy the odds yet again and vault to the top of the BCS rankings?
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(1) Florida Gators vs (4) LSU Tigers
Saturday, October 10, 8:00 p.m. ET
NCAA football odds favorite: Florida -8
As good as Florida’s offense is, it’s not necessarily “complete.” Ultimately, Tim Tebow is its driving force. Not only is he a mobile passer who can make big plays in or out of the pocket, he’s never afraid to turn upfield and run with reckless abandon. He’s rushed for 271 yards and five scores in four games. His severe concussion, however, is extremely problematic. If he doesn’t play, the Gators’ offense isn’t nearly as dangerous. If he does play, it’s like asking Ben Roethlisberger to play with a concussion – it just won’t work well, is Tebow’s success depends on his fearlessness and physicality.
LSU’s offense is much more balanced. Jordan Jefferson is doing a good job under center and he has a talented group of targets led by Brandon LaFell. Charles Scott and Keiland Williams also give the Tigers a competent running game.
Defensively, LSU may be set up better for success this Saturday. Sure, Jefferson has to watch his back after getting sacked six times last week, but Florida’s pass rush isn’t great. The Tigers don’t hurry the quarterback much either but they’re a good run-stopping team; the held Georgia to 45 yards last week. That makes LSU a tough matchup for a run-first offense like Florida’s according to betting services, especially if with Tebow out or playing at less than 100 per cent.
The Tigers have a massive challenge as eight-point underdogs against the best team in the nation but couldn’t catch Florida at a better time thanks to Tebow’s situation. Look for LSU to ride their home crowd to a victory or at least beat the spread.
Sports bet online pick: LSU +8
